"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

Home Production and Gardening–May 2015

Homemade Laundry Aids

Liquid Laundry Soap

Grate one bar of soap—Zote, Fels Naptha or unscented Ivory are all good choices. Place grated soap in a pan with 2 quarts of water and heat slowly, stirring constantly until soap is completely dissolved. Put 4 ½ gallons of very hot water into a 5-gallon bucket and stir in 1 cup each of borax and washing soda until completely dissolved. Add soap mixture to the 5-gallon bucket and stir well. Cover and let sit several hours or overnight. Stir until smooth. Pour into dispenser. Use ½-1 cup per full load.

Grate soap with cheese grater or food processor. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket. Use 2-4 Tablespoons per laundry load.

DIY Stain Remover

1 part original blue Dawn

2 parts hydrogen peroxide

Mix well and treat stains directly before washing. Test an inconspicuous spot first and do not leave on for more than about 15 minutes at a time

Homemade fabric softener

2 cups hair conditioner

3 cups white vinegar

6 cups hot water

Mix well and use according to washer instructions.

Other options:

I have a friend who washed her laundry with saltalone for a time. Salt is a fairly good stain and grease remover and is often used both to set and brighten colors. Use ½-1 cup per full washer load.

Another option is soap nuts. These are the fruit of a tree (Sapindus mukorossi) that grows in Asia. They are naturally high in saponins and can be used in washing clothes, dishes and bodies. They have the added benefit of being mildly insecticidal and helpful in the treatment of eczema.